A relentless drive for justice propels us as Justice Defenders. Hamisi Mzari, Morris Kaberia, and William Okumu each had their own battles with the law, shaping their unwavering stance against injustice. Now, decades after facing the legal system themselves, they’ve emerged as champions, ensuring that others receive the legal support they never had.
Hamisi’s journey is one of remarkable determination. Once a person in incarceration, he became a beacon of hope for the incarcerated. He joined the Justice Defenders team as a volunteer in August 2014. He had provided informal legal services to incarcerated persons, but, keen to deepen his knowledge, he enrolled in the University of London’s law programme, graduating alongside William in 2019.
But he didn’t stop there. Hamisi pursued further education at Riara University and completed the rigorous Advocates Training Programme at the Kenya School of Law. In November 2023, he was admitted to the Bar—defying all odds and proving that even those once incarcerated can rise to become advocates for justice. Hamisi, Morris, and William, united by their shared experiences behind prison gates, are forging a new path. They’re leading the charge for a future where legal education transforms not just individuals, but entire communities and justice systems. Their journey through the University of London’s programme was just the beginning—now they’re using their hard-won knowledge to ignite change for those who need it most.
Now, William has also completed his studies and was admitted to the Bar in November 2024, joining Hamisi in breaking barriers and defying expectations. Morris and others are set to complete their studies at the Kenya School of Law in early 2025. Together, their accomplishments have blazed a trail, shattering the glass ceiling and showing that what was once deemed impossible is now within reach. Their success paves the way for many more to follow, turning dreams into reality for those seeking justice.
In many countries, suspects are detained in prison almost automatically once they are arrested. Whatever the offence. Some, yes, are guilty. Many are poor, vulnerable, and unjustly targeted. Regardless, lives are lost waiting for justice to arrive.
In Kenya, people with mental health problems convicted of a crime have been incarcerated at the President’s pleasure; meaning the defendant does not have a defined sentence. Armed with legal knowledge, our paralegals petitioned the Kenyan High Court, challenging the treatment of people with mental illness. In February, High Court Judge Justice Anthony Mrima ruled in favour of our petition.
“If we get sentencing wrong, then I don't think we're able to get anything else right. So I'm behind Justice Defenders one hundred per cent – in the mental health issues and your petitions, those petitions are groundbreaking.”
– AbdulQadir Lorot. Chief Magistrate and Chair of the Court Users Committee at the National Council Administration of Justice, Kenya.
When we remove our bias against impoverished and incarcerated people we see untapped potential behind prison walls; leadership skills in the prison staff room; determination hidden on death row; and the power of justice defenders within every defenceless community.
In 2022, we facilitated 43,100 virtual court attendances. This wouldn’t be possible without our unlikely allies, the judiciary and prisons supporting us to implement digital forms of justice throughout and beyond the Covid-19 pandemic. By bringing together paralegals - both incarcerated people and prison officers - with prosecutors, the police, judges, experienced lawyers, and academics, we’re creating remarkable possibilities for good.
“With this legal training, the relationship has changed in the sense that we have to work hand in hand. They [prison officers] need our support in as much as we need their help for clients' cases… It is really smooth because we all have a common goal.”
– Paralegal Hellen Nayiga (left), Luzira Women's Prison, Uganda.
We aren’t naive about the crimes people have committed. We’re supporting the judiciary to follow due process. Ensuring that each defendant can effectively engage at their hearing and that judges are able to decide just sentences.
Mandatory minimum sentences for sexual offences in Kenya meant judges had no power for discretion when sentencing. Through our paralegals’ work to reform the criminal justice system, judges will now be able to use their discretion to sentence people convicted of sexual offences. Sentences can now be proportional, fair and offer the best opportunity for rehabilitation.
“Together we are ensuring that those who are guilty are taken through the entire justice system in a just, procedural and fair way. Most importantly, together we help ensure that no innocent party has been convicted for an offence he did not commit.”
– Hon. Ashiambo Ualerie Emelsa, Magistrate at Thika Court, Kenya.
Hamisi Mzari, Morris Kaberia, and William Okumu each had their own battles with the law, shaping their unwavering stance against injustice. Now, decades after facing the legal system themselves, they’ve emerged as champions, ensuring that others receive the legal support they never had.
Hamisi’s journey is one of remarkable determination. Once a person in incarceration, he became a beacon of hope for the incarcerated. He joined the Justice Defenders team as a volunteer in August 2014. He had provided informal legal services to incarcerated persons, but, keen to deepen his knowledge, he enrolled in the University of London’s law programme, graduating alongside William in 2019. But he didn’t stop there. Hamisi pursued further education at Riara University and completed the rigorous Advocates Training Programme at the Kenya School of Law. In November 2023, he was admitted to the Bar—defying all odds and proving that even those once incarcerated can rise to become advocates for justice.
Hamisi, Morris, and William, united by their shared experiences behind prison gates, are forging a new path. They’re leading the charge for a future where legal education transforms not just individuals, but entire communities and justice systems. Their journey through the University of London’s programme was just the beginning— now they’re using their hard-won knowledge to ignite change for those who need it most.
Now, William has also completed his studies and was admitted to the Bar in November 2024, joining Hamisi in breaking barriers and defying expectations. Morris and others are set to complete their studies at the Kenya School of Law in early 2025. Together, their accomplishments have blazed a trail, shattering the glass ceiling and showing that what was once deemed impossible is now within reach. Their success paves the way for many more to follow, turning dreams into reality for those seeking justice.
We are working towards a posture of radical inclusion to ensure that the defenceless become the defenders. So this work intentionally includes those who would consider themselves – or may be considered by others – to be outsiders, marginalised, or in conflict with the law. If these defenders can be unleashed within the justice system, they can serve the community and strengthen the system, ensuring a fair hearing for all.
In Nairobi, we opened Makadara Legal Office. Under the leadership of qualified advocates, formerly incarcerated paralegals prepare clients for self-representation and draft and file court submissions. Ensuring people not only released on bail have access to quality, free legal services, but anyone with a criminal justice need in the whole of Nairobi. Provided by the people who understand justice best.
Who would imagine prison officers going to court to advocate for incarcerated people and win them their freedom? Or police officers providing legal services to people who have gotten on the wrong side of the law? While we focus our work on the criminal justice system, we’re not doing this work alone.
Now formally registered in The Gambia, we’ve expand into every prison in the country. At the invitation of the judiciary, we’ve established a legal office in the court building in the capital Banjul to facilitate a smoother judicial journey for defendants. At police stations, we found that many civil matters were treated as criminal matters. Because many defendants lack knowledge of the law, many entered a guilty plea. Fortunately, having heard the impact of our work, the Assistant Inspector General of Police reached out to us to work in partnership. We hope to design a programme together that best serves detainees.
"Seeing officers and inmates working together to serve their community is a real example of social cohesion and dedication."
– Dr. Saikou K. Gasssama, Executive Secretary of National Human Rights Commission, The Gambia.
The education offered to people in prison should be of a similar standard to that offered to those who make laws and send people to prison. Because ultimately we want to move our defenders from those who’ve been in conflict with the law to the ones making and implementing it.
We have a total of 59 graduates from the University of London Law degree course. Now, we’re further democratising access to higher legal education. To improve the quality of our legal services, we've partnered with local universities to offer accredited qualifications in paralegalism. In October we welcomed the first cohort of 40 students who enrolled in a year-long course in paralegal studies delivered by Justice Defenders, in partnership with Strathmore University in Kenya.
We are demonstrating a radical model of community building and urgent change within the criminal justice system. Our approach is people-centred, affordable, adaptable, collaborative, and sustainable. It provides the most vulnerable with the protection of the law. It reframes ‘defenceless communities’ as defenders, advising on criminal law, and helping shape the law to come. It is relieving pressure in the criminal justice system where it is most felt, whilst strengthening society as a whole.
93% of clients ‘agreed’ or ‘strongly agreed’ that the legal support they received allowed the court to give them a fairer hearing, in comparison to if they had received no legal support. Independent evaluation of Justice Defenders' Legal Education Programme by Justice Studio in July 2021.
We are working towards a posture of radical inclusion to ensure that the defenceless become the defenders. So this work intentionally includes those who would consider themselves – or may be considered by others – to be outsiders, marginalised, or in conflict with the law. If these defenders can be unleashed within the justice system, they can serve the community and strengthen the system, ensuring a fair hearing for all.
In Nairobi, we opened Makadara Legal Office. Under the leadership of qualified advocates, formerly incarcerated paralegals prepare clients for self-representation and draft and file court submissions. Ensuring people not only released on bail have access to quality, free legal services, but anyone with a criminal justice need in the whole of Nairobi. Provided by the people who understand justice best.
Who would imagine prison officers going to court to advocate for incarcerated people and win them their freedom? Or police officers providing legal services to people who have gotten on the wrong side of the law? While we focus our work on the criminal justice system, we’re not doing this work alone.
Now formally registered in The Gambia, we’ve expand into every prison in the country. At the invitation of the judiciary, we’ve established a legal office in the court building in the capital Banjul to facilitate a smoother judicial journey for defendants. At police stations, we found that many civil matters were treated as criminal matters. Because many defendants lack knowledge of the law, many entered a guilty plea. Fortunately, having heard the impact of our work, the Assistant Inspector General of Police reached out to us to work in partnership. We hope to design a programme together that best serves detainees.
"Seeing officers and inmates working together to serve their community is a real example of social cohesion and dedication."
– Dr. Saikou K. Gasssama, Executive Secretary of National Human Rights Commission, The Gambia.
The education offered to people in prison should be of a similar standard to that offered to those who make laws and send people to prison. Because ultimately we want to move our defenders from those who’ve been in conflict with the law to the ones making and implementing it.
We have a total of 59 graduates from the University of London Law degree course. Now, we’re further democratising access to higher legal education. To improve the quality of our legal services, we've partnered with local universities to offer accredited qualifications in paralegalism. In October we welcomed the first cohort of 40 students who enrolled in a year-long course in paralegal studies delivered by Justice Defenders, in partnership with Strathmore University in Kenya.
We are demonstrating a radical model of community building and urgent change within the criminal justice system. Our approach is people-centred, affordable, adaptable, collaborative, and sustainable. It provides the most vulnerable with the protection of the law. It reframes ‘defenceless communities’ as defenders, advising on criminal law, and helping shape the law to come. It is relieving pressure in the criminal justice system where it is most felt, whilst strengthening society as a whole.
93% of clients ‘agreed’ or ‘strongly agreed’ that the legal support they received allowed the court to give them a fairer hearing, in comparison to if they had received no legal support. Independent evaluation of Justice Defenders' Legal Education Programme by Justice Studio in July 2021.
Location: Langata
When did you join the programme?
2019
What motivated you to study law?
I want to become the voice of the voiceless, which would have been more achievable with legal education.
What future do you want to pursue with your degree?
Looking forward to representing the less fortunate with their matters in court not because I wish for their acquittals but because I wish to see both the poor and the rich access justice equally as the law guarantees.
Ruth Kamande is the only girl among three siblings, as a focused young woman she worked several jobs to grow her work experience. She had even enrolled in university to pursue a degree in Business Information Technology. She grew, and fell in love but the love would turn sour when she found herself in a lovers quarrel that turned violent. What transpired next led her down a path that would see Ruth spend her life behind bars.
While serving her sentence in Langata Women’s Prison, she rediscovered her passion to learn and joined Justice Defenders training as a paralegal and later joined the University of London programme. Ruth’s passion for justice is unparalleled - ensuring many more women have the chance to have their voices heard in court. Now a graduate, a bright future lies ahead of her. Now equipped with legal knowledge, Ruth has resolved to see both the poor and the rich access justice equally as the law guarantees.
Location: Luzira, Uganda
When they joined the programme: 2019
What motivated you to study law?
I was compelled to join the fight against injustice in Uganda.
What future do you want to pursue with your degree?
I aspire to become a solicitor and advocate of the voiceless as a human rights activist.
Gilbert Wanami was a police officer, until he found himself in conflict with the law he once administered. He served 11 years in prison until his release in December 2020. This challenging period, however, paved the way for his educational journey and a renewed purpose. Gilbert reflects “My greatest fear after my conviction was a wasted life and destiny,” Gilbert remembers. “But looking back, just like Joseph in the Bible, God ordained it for my good and for the service of mankind. Because that prison is where my destiny was shaped.”
In May 2019, while serving a sentence in Kamiti Prison, Gilbert started his law degree with the University of London. from Kamiti Maximum Prison. By 2022, with his degree in hand, Gilbert opened a new chapter, dedicating himself to leading and mentoring paralegals in Kamiti Maximum Security Prison, Langata Women Prison and Kiambu Prison. His journey, from enforcing the law to experiencing its weight firsthand, grants him a rare and invaluable perspective. Now, armed with a deep understanding of legal principles, Gilbert is poised to effect meaningful change from an extraordinary vantage point.
Location: Nairobi
When did you join the programme? 2019
What motivated you to study law?
During my time of incarceration I realised there are many people in prison not by choice but by circumstances; because of poverty, lack of representation, illiteracy and ignorance. I was motivated to join the programme in the hopes of becoming a change maker.
What future do you want to pursue with your degree?
I hope to offer legal representation to many who are indigent, illiterate and defenceless in the corridors of our criminal justice system.
Gilbert Wanami was a police officer, until he found himself in conflict with the law he once administered. He served 11 years in prison until his release in December 2020. This challenging period, however, paved the way for his educational journey and a renewed purpose.
In May 2019, while serving a sentence in Kamiti Prison, Gilbert started his law degree with the University of London. from Kamiti Maximum Prison. By 2022, with his degree in hand, Gilbert opened a new chapter, dedicating himself to leading and mentoring paralegals in Kamiti Maximum Security Prison, Langata Women Prison and Kiambu Prison. His journey, from enforcing the law to experiencing its weight firsthand, grants him a rare and invaluable perspective. Now, armed with a deep understanding of legal principles, Gilbert is poised to effect meaningful change from an extraordinary vantage point.
Location: Luzira, Uganda
When they joined the programme: 2019
What motivated you to study law?
To empower myself and to help vulnerable people.
What future do you want to pursue with your degree?
I hope to enrol for my advocates training course and practice there after.
Being part of the Justice Defenders renewed my purpose, it really helped me to serve my sentence profitably; helping my peers.Hellen Nayiga found himself charged with murder after a tragic turn of events. During her time in prison, she encountered a justice system that often discriminated against the poor and vulnerable, a system that seemed inaccessible and incomprehensible to those without legal knowledge. Determined to seek justice for herself and others, Hellen took the bold step of enrolling in the University of London’s LLB program in 2018 and later completed the course in May 2022.
To her studying law became a way to navigate and understand the complexities of the legal system. “I was a victim of money minded lawyers who only cared about themselves at the cost of my freedom” Hellen shared. Her education enabled her to serve as a paralegal, working with Justice Defenders to help fellow incarcerated women self-represent, draft court documents, and link with Justice Defenders lawyers. This experience gave her practical legal skills and the satisfaction of bringing hope and dignity to those often overlooked by the justice system.
Location: Kampala
When they joined the programme: 2019
What motivated you to study law?
I was sentenced to suffer death without any due process. I later found out that many on death row faced similar or worse injustice. I saw the programme as a chance to do something.
What future do you want to pursue with your degree?
I aspire to become a full advocate of the High Court and be able to fully defend the poor and illiterate.
Priscilla Cherono Chebet was sentenced to 25 years, but after a remission of the sentence and a consideration of time spent in pre-trial detention, she remains with 7 years 4 months to spend in prison.
She began her LLB in the year 2019. She is also a trained paralegal working with Justice Defenders in 2017. She mentioned being a trained paralegal has equipped her to help fellow inmates with their cases. Before she gained the legal knowledge she was an introvert with no public speaking skills.
But, since joining the law degree programmes she has developed confidence and public speaking skills overtime. The legal knowledge she has gained has helped her to impact positively on the lives of fellow inmates. While serving at the Langata Women’s Prison legal office, Priscilla has been part of efforts of using alternative dispute resolution to assist fellow inmates. In one case, she advised three inmates who had been convicted of robbery to settle the matter out of court. By implementing alternative dispute resolution the cases were withdrawn.
Location: Nairobi
When did you join the programme? 2016
What motivated you to study law?
As a prison officer I come across very many challenging legal issues from people in incarceration. I developed empathy and had a desire to assist. While fighting injustice, I try to ensure that the defenceless have a fair trial and appeal process.
What future do you want to pursue with your degree?
I hope to specialise in human rights to protect the interests of the less privileged.
Everything we do is governed by one law or another. As a prison officer, I come across many challenging legal issues from individuals in incarceration.
Hoping to do more for the prison community, Joaquim developed empathy and longed for something that could give him satisfaction and fulfilment born out of helping others. Fighting against injustice has sparked a new understanding for others, and re-examined how many more lives could benefit from a fair trial. He reflected, “Access to justice is a vital element in any society and one of the basic principles of the rule of law. Therefore, when I offer legal services to those without neither legal knowledge nor legal representation - it gives me satisfaction.”
Looking to the future, Joaquim hopes to specialise in human rights to protect the interests of the less privileged preventing many more from unfair sentencing
Location: Kigogwa
When they joined the programme: 2019
What motivated you to study law?
I am driven by a passion for justice and a commitment to making a difference in society. When the programme began in prison, I was more than willing to make my dream a reality!
What future do you want to pursue with your degree?
Enrolling for a post graduate diploma in Legal Practice, to defend the defenceless in prison
Phionah Namubiru has always aspired to be a lawyer. However, when she at just 22, she faced a guilty verdict that resulted in a five year prison sentence. While incarcerated, an extraordinary opportunity emerged.
“In 2019, I enrolled as a student with the University of London and also worked as a paralegal with Justice Defenders. Balancing these roles was both challenging and fulfilling,” she recalls. Her daily tasks involved helping clients find guarantors for bail, ensuring they returned for court appearances, and drafting essential legal documents like notices of appeal and affidavits.
For Phionah, prison built her character and taught her some invaluable lessons. “I’ve come to treat people with respect, be more patient, and understand the importance of hard work.”
Mercyline Nasiloli Sikasa
David Angawa
Joseph Mugatha Kariuki
Tobias Lukoye Omukuti
Roy Nyale
Peter Kariuki Muibau
Kodeck Obonyo Mose
Gibson Makini Onyambu
Joseph Lodiaka Lokodir
Priscilla Cherono Chebet
Ruth Kamande Wanjiku
Jimmy Migrori Mitawa
Joaquim Wekesa
Morris Kaberia
Willy Mbadi Ojulu
Gilbert Wanami
Nickson Kipngetich Mutai
Nathan Khaemba
Stephen Cheruyoit Melly
Peter Kihia Mwaniki
Fostine Winstone Madibe
Kenneth Mwaniki Njoroge
Tabitha Njeri Njoro
Paul Kimolo
Hesbon Onyango Nyamweya
Isaac Makwaro Momanyi
Stanlous Musembi
Dennis Wandati
Phionah Namubiru
Betty Florence Mbatudde
Joseph Ekusai
Anthony Ssemukula
Ismail Mutembi
Sowedi Sserinya
Patrick Makoha
Barbra Nakangwi
Alfred Akor
Jackson Otingchwinyu
John Bosco Oryem
Hellen Nayiga
Grace Layet
Evaline Antimago
Robert Tusmwesigye
Paul Kakubi
Canaan Nkamuhabwa
Godwilll Kenyanya
Christine Naigaga